CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) SERVICES UPDATE: Find out about services open under Alert Level 2. Please note, we are currently experiencing higher than normal volumes of work so please be patient as our teams work at reduced capacity. More information on our services

Cows on the move for Gypsy Day, drive with care

The NZ Transport Agency is reminding motorists to drive with care in the Waikato this weekend with cows likely to be on some roads in the lead up to Gypsy Day on June 1.

Gypsy Day is an annual day when sharemilkers relocate themselves and their stock for the new season. Cows can be moved on or around June 1.

Farmers’ droving their stock will need consent from the New Zealand Transport Agency to move stock along or across State Highways.

The Transport Agency’s Waikato journey manager Liam Ryan says this year’s moving day is complicated by the Queen’s Birthday weekend holiday on Monday, which means there may be more than the usual traffic on Waikato roads.

“Motorists need to be patient if they come across a herd on the road,” he says.

“Farmers will be just as keen to get their animals off the road as you are, so wait until they have managed their stock and please don’t beep your horn as it will frighten the animals and could lead to longer delays.

“My advice is to plan ahead and allow extra time when travelling through the Waikato this long weekend.”

The Transport Agency is keen to assist farmers or share milkers to move their stock safely and with minimal disruption to road users. For more information please contact the Transport Agency on 0800 44 44 49.

Speed restrictions and traffic management are in place around the Waikato region as work on the Waikato Expressway and other projects continues.

Sites where delays are possible are detailed below to help motorists plan ahead when travelling:

SH1 Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway

Stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions will be in place on SH1 between Cambridge and Tamahere from Wednesday June 3 for about six weeks to allow contractors to move topsoil.

Traffic management will be in place from 9am until 4pm each day to reduce delays during peak times. The work is expected to take six weeks and is weather dependent.

SH1Btraffic will bediverted around the Victoria Road Interchange on June 8 to allow contractors to pour concrete on the interchange bridge deck. The diversion will be in place from 6pm that day until 7am on June 9.

SH2, Karangahake Reserve

Traffic management and a 30km/h speed restriction will be in place east of the Karangahake Reserve until mid-June. Contractors are widening the roadway and improving the drainage during daylight hours from Monday to Friday. Motorists are advised to expect short delays when travelling on this route.

SH3, Raynes Road between Hamilton and airport turnoff (SH21)

Traffic management and a speed restriction of 30km/h are in place. Motorists should allow an extra five minutes or consider using SH1 and SH21 if travelling to Hamilton Airport. Contractors are building a right-turn bay for north-bound traffic and realigning the corner.

SH3/37, Waitomo turnoff roundabout construction

Work continues until mid-June. Traffic is being managed through the site. A speed restriction of 30km/h remains in place. Motorists are advised to expect delays of approximately five minutes.

SH23, at Te Pahu Rd corner

Stop/go traffic management and speed restrictions are in place to allow contractors to carry out drainage works and repair a guard rail. Motorists are advised to expect short delays.

SH23, on the ‘Raglan deviation’

Stop/go traffic management will be in place at times until mid-June to allow contractors to install a new culvert. Work hours 7am-5pm. Motorists are advised to expect minor delays.

The Transport Agency apologises for any inconvenience and thanks motorists for their patience.

The NZ Transport Agency works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.